There’s a winter storm warning for all of New York between Syracuse and New York City, which is where Gov. Andrew Cuomo is today with no announced public schedule. The Albany area could see between 10 and 14 inches by the time the storm rolls out.

On to the headlines…

Gov. Cuomo said Wednesday that people who say they support economic equality should support his statewide plan for universal pre-K. (TU)

This should go well. In defending his alternate pre-K plan, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said poor kids in the city need more than poor kids upstate — a most unorthodox way to win votes in the upstate-dominated Senate. (CapCon)

“Do I believe the wealth in New York City should be used just for New York City? No. I don’t believe the wealth in Nassau should be used just for Nassau. That would place the poorer communities at a disadvantage,” Cuomo said. (Crain’s)

Rob who? Another Q-poll due to be released today pegs Cuomo’s approval rating at 63% and found that 86 percent of voters don’t know who potential challenger Rob Astorino is. (WSJ)

The governoralso responded to the firestorm of criticismthat followed his comments last month that extreme conservatives have no place in New York: “I wasn’t saying anyone should leave the state. My position is the exact opposite.” (GNS)

State Homeland Security Commissioner Jerry Hauer got a waiver to carry his handgun in state buildings four days after the Times Union reported he used it as a laser pointer in a meeting — and Cuomo says he has no problem with top state officials packing “if they are licensed and in that field of work.” (TU)

Sean Eldridgeslammed U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson for opposing a clean increase of the nation’s debt limit, while Gibson accused Eldridge of being on the “far left” and said House Republican leadership “let us down.” (TU)

North Country Democrats have picked their candidate to run for departing U.S. Rep. Bill Owens’ seat, unanimously endorsing documentary filmmaker Aaron Woolf of Elizabethtown in Essex County. (TU)

Officials in charge of building the new Tappan Zee Bridge say the project is on schedule but would not disclose whether they have resolved problems with welding some of the new bridge piles. (JN)

Times Union: Assessing the state’s response to Sandy is important exercise with grave implications for public safety. An honest analysis would provide a public accounting of the agency’s performance and point to changes that would ensure the state is better prepared for the next disaster. This is, quite simply, public information. The reports cost taxpayers between $70,000 and $100,000. Nor does the state’s Freedom of Information Law list official embarrassment as one of the exceptions to the public’s right to know.

Mirrors peak out from the snow along Eagle Street in Albany after a two-day storm buried the region in powder. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union)

Mirrors peak out from the snow along Eagle Street in Albany after a two-day storm buried the region in powder. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union)

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Kenny Crenshaw walks in the snow along the Empire State Plaza past the state Capitol of Albany on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Eastern New York is in line for some heavy snow, with the National Weather Service warning of 8 to 16 inches accumulating by Friday morning and near white-out conditions at times. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) less

Kenny Crenshaw walks in the snow along the Empire State Plaza past the state Capitol of Albany on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Eastern New York is in line for some heavy snow, with the National ... more

Photo: Mike Groll

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A woman walks in the snow in front of the state Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Hundreds of schools across upstate New York are closed and authorities are advising against any unnecessary travel as a snowstorm moves across the region. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) less

A woman walks in the snow in front of the state Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Hundreds of schools across upstate New York are closed and authorities are advising against any unnecessary ... more

Photo: Mike Groll

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Snow covered steps in West Capitol Park as people make their way along Swan St. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Snow covered steps in West Capitol Park as people make their way along Swan St. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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The 2014 Black History Month exhibit entitled, The Transformative Power of the Narrative, on display in the war room on the second floor of the Capitol on Friday Feb. 7, 2014 in Albany. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union) less

The 2014 Black History Month exhibit entitled, The Transformative Power of the Narrative, on display in the war room on the second floor of the Capitol on Friday Feb. 7, 2014 in Albany. (Michael P. ... more

Photo: Michael P. Farrell / Albany Times Union

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. More New York City voters support Cuomo's plan to pay for pre kindergarten expansion with existing state funds than Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposal for a tax increase, according to a poll released Wednesday. The Quinnipiac University poll highlights a potential challenge for the newly elected mayor as he tries to rally public support for his tax increase on wealthier New York City residents amid opposition in Albany from Cuomo and a key Republican legislative leader. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) ORG XMIT: NYMG101 less

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. More New York City voters support Cuomo's plan to pay for pre kindergarten ... more

Photo: Mike Groll / AP

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo leaves a news conference after announcing the lifetime adventure license series in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) ORG XMIT: NYMG104 less

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo leaves a news conference after announcing the lifetime adventure license series in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) ORG ... more

Photo: Mike Groll / AP

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo holds up a license plate while announcing the lifetime adventure license series during a news conference in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Nine new outdoor plates are available to those purchasing lifetime licenses to hunt, fish and visit state parks in 2014. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) ORG XMIT: NYMG103 less

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo holds up a license plate while announcing the lifetime adventure license series during a news conference in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. ... more

Photo: Mike Groll / AP

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The Cuomo administration has proposed keeping pay flat for the sixth straight year for caretakers of the disabled and others at state-funded non-profits. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) ORG XMIT: NYMG102 less

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in the Red Room at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. The Cuomo administration has proposed keeping pay flat for the sixth ... more

Photo: Mike Groll / AP

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Senate co-leader Jeff Klein, D-Bronx, speaks during a news conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Klein is stressing his support for New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio's pre-kindergarten plan, but he's stopping short of demanding a new tax to pay for it. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) ORG XMIT: NYMG106 less

Senate co-leader Jeff Klein, D-Bronx, speaks during a news conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Klein is stressing his support for New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio's ... more

Photo: Mike Groll / AP

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SUNY students from around the state gather in a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The students, that are in the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), and the EOC (Educational Opportunity Centers) came to the Capitol to lobby legislators to restore and increase funding for the two programs in the 2014-15 state budget. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

SUNY students from around the state gather in a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The students, that are in the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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SUNY students from around the state listen to a speaker in a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The students, that are in the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), and the EOC (Educational Opportunity Centers) came to the Capitol to lobby legislators to restore and increase funding for the two programs in the 2014-15 state budget. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

SUNY students from around the state listen to a speaker in a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The students, that are in the EOP (Educational ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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College students listen as Fred Kowal, president of UUP (United University Professions), addresses them at a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. Over 300 SUNY students from around the state in the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), and the EOC (Educational Opportunity Centers) came to the Capitol to lobby legislators to restore and increase funding for the two programs in the 2014-15 state budget. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

College students listen as Fred Kowal, president of UUP (United University Professions), addresses them at a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. Over 300 ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Fred Kowal, president of UUP (United University Professions), fires up SUNY students at a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. Over 300 SUNY students from around the state in the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), and the EOC (Educational Opportunity Centers) came to the Capitol to lobby legislators to restore and increase funding for the two programs in the 2014-15 state budget. UUP was the organizing group that brought the students to Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Fred Kowal, president of UUP (United University Professions), fires up SUNY students at a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. Over 300 SUNY students from ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Jacquelyn Germick, a junior at SUNY Geneseo, fills out a voter registration card at a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. Over 300 SUNY students from around the state in the EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), and the EOC (Educational Opportunity Centers) came to the Capitol to lobby legislators to restore and increase funding for the two programs in the 2014-15 state budget. UUP (United University Professions) was the organizing group that brought the students to Albany. There was also a drive to sign up students who were not registered to vote. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Jacquelyn Germick, a junior at SUNY Geneseo, fills out a voter registration card at a meeting room at the Empire State Convention Center on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. Over 300 SUNY students from ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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School students from around the state that take part in the Reality Check Youth Action Program, visit with each other in the well of the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The students along with people that work for Community Partnerships, Reality Check Youth Action, Cessation Centers and The New York State Smoker Quitline from around the state came to Albany on Wednesday to provide legislators with information on the state-funded tobacco control programs. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

School students from around the state that take part in the Reality Check Youth Action Program, visit with each other in the well of the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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School students from around the state that take part in the Reality Check Youth Action Program, pose for a group photograph in the well of the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The students along with people that work for Community Partnerships, Reality Check Youth Action, Cessation Centers and The New York State Smoker's Quitline from around the state came to Albany on Wednesday to provide legislators with information on the state-funded tobacco control programs. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

School students from around the state that take part in the Reality Check Youth Action Program, pose for a group photograph in the well of the Legislative Office Building on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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An image on a screen shows an example of a driver's license with a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks licenses added during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals can buy a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks license. Along with the lifetime license there are new themed license plates. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

An image on a screen shows an example of a driver's license with a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks licenses added during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Large examples of new themed license plates are on display during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals can buy a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks license. Along with the lifetime license there are new themed license plates. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Large examples of new themed license plates are on display during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Governor Andrew Cuomo answers a reporter's question during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals can buy a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks license. Along with the lifetime license there are new themed license plates. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Governor Andrew Cuomo answers a reporter's question during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Large examples of new themed license plates are on display during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals can buy a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks license. Along with the lifetime license there are new themed license plates. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Large examples of new themed license plates are on display during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Governor Andrew Cuomo jokes that this is the license plate he will be applying for during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals can buy a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks license. Along with the lifetime license there are new themed license plates. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Governor Andrew Cuomo jokes that this is the license plate he will be applying for during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Large examples of new themed license plates are on display during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals can buy a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks license. Along with the lifetime license there are new themed license plates. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Large examples of new themed license plates are on display during a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

Image 24 of 55

Governor Andrew Cuomo, left, and Joe Martens, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation take part in a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held for the Governor to announce a new program where individuals can buy a lifetime hunting, fishing and parks license. Along with the lifetime license there are new themed license plates. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Governor Andrew Cuomo, left, and Joe Martens, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation take part in a press event at the Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Albany. The event was held ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Snow covered steps in West Capitol Park as a man makes his way along Swan St. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Snow covered steps in West Capitol Park as a man makes his way along Swan St. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union)

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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NYS Senator Bill Perkins speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

NYS Senator Bill Perkins speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. (John Carl ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / Albany Times Union

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Assemblyman Phil Steck speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

Assemblyman Phil Steck speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. (John Carl ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / Albany Times Union

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Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried, center, speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried, center, speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair ... more

Sen. David Carlucci, center, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senators Savino and Jeff Klein, right, the Independent Democratic Conference and AARP unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Sen. David Carlucci, center, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senators Savino and Jeff Klein, right, the Independent Democratic Conference and AARP unveiled ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Albany Times Union

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Sen. Diane Savino speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Sen. Savino and the Independent Democratic Conference unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Sen. Diane Savino speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Sen. Savino and the Independent Democratic Conference unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Albany Times Union

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Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, departs following a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Sen. Klein unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, departs following a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Sen. Klein unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Albany Times Union

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Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senators Klein and Diane Savino, to his right, both members of the Independent Democratic Conference, and AARP unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senators Klein and Diane Savino, to his right, both members of the Independent ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Albany Times Union

Image 34 of 55

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, right, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senators Klein and Diane Savino, both members of the Independent Democratic Conference, unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, right, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senators Klein and Diane Savino, both members of the Independent Democratic Conference, ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Albany Times Union

Image 35 of 55

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Klein, Sen. David Valesky, left, and Sen. Diane Savino, right, all members of the Independent Democratic Conference, unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, speaks during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Klein, Sen. David Valesky, left, and Sen. Diane Savino, right, all members of the ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Albany Times Union

Image 36 of 55

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, greets members of AARP before a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Klein, the Independent Democratic Conference and AARP unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, center, greets members of AARP before a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Klein, the Independent Democratic Conference and AARP unveiled a plan ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Albany Times Union

Image 37 of 55

Senator Timothy Kennedy listens to testimony from Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Senator Timothy Kennedy listens to testimony from Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, testifies during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, testifies during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the Legislative ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

Image 39 of 55

Senator Martin Golden asks a question of Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Senator Martin Golden asks a question of Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Ken Adams, foreground, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, testifies during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Ken Adams, foreground, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, testifies during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

Image 41 of 55

Assembly member William Scarborough listens to testimony from Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Assembly member William Scarborough listens to testimony from Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Albany Times Union

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Security checkpoints are jammed during lobby day at the Concourse entrance to the Capitol and LOB Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, in Albany. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Security checkpoints are jammed during lobby day at the Concourse entrance to the Capitol and LOB Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, in Albany. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union

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Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Center, talks to reporters in a hallway at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in Albany. Skelos says he believes Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino will run for governor and that incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo is vulnerable. Skelos says he believes Astorino will be their party's candidate and he appears to also have Conservative Party support. (AP Photo/Mike Groll) less

Cameraman Dowon Lee, left, and anchorman Jinho Park from Seoul Broadcasting System tape in front of the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in Albany. Earlier in the day there was a press conference where lawmakers gathered with Korean community groups from Queens in support of S6750, a bill that would require all new textbooks used in New York classrooms to also identify the body of water commonly known as the Sea of Japan as the East Sea. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less

Cameraman Dowon Lee, left, and anchorman Jinho Park from Seoul Broadcasting System tape in front of the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, in Albany. Earlier in the day there was a press conference where ... more

Photo: Lori Van Buren / Times Union

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Process server Erin Burruto of Rochester speaks with reporters about proposed legislation to increase the penalties of assaulting a process server in NYS Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

Process server Erin Burruto of Rochester speaks with reporters about proposed legislation to increase the penalties of assaulting a process server in NYS Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. (John ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union

Image 46 of 55

Lisa Blodgett, an RN for Ellis Health Care, speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

Lisa Blodgett, an RN for Ellis Health Care, speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union

Image 47 of 55

Senator Neil Breslin shakes hand with high school senior Jovani Jones, right, as he meets with students from Watervliet High Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union

Senator Neil Breslin shakes hand with high school senior Jovani Jones, right, as he meets with students from Watervliet High Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union

Mary Jane Bertram of Duchess County, center, shares her personal story during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, right, the Independent Democratic Conference and AARP unveiled a plan for paid family leave, a component of their Affordable NY agenda. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Mary Jane Bertram of Duchess County, center, shares her personal story during a news conference on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein, right, the Independent ... more

Photo: Cindy Schultz / Times Union

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Laurie Wen, executive director for Physicians for a National Healthcare Program speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) less

Laurie Wen, executive director for Physicians for a National Healthcare Program speaks during a rally in support of "New York Health" Tuesday Feb. 11, 2014, at the Capitol in Albany. At right is Assembly ... more

Photo: John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union

Image 51 of 55

Members of the Senate and Assembly listen to testimony from Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic development on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Members of the Senate and Assembly listen to testimony from Ken Adams, president and CEO of New York State, Empire State Development, during a New York State Legislature joint budget hearing on economic ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski / Times Union

Image 52 of 55

The book, "Twelve Years A Slave" by Solomon Northup, on display as part of the 2014 Black History Month exhibit entitled, The Transformative Power of the Narrative, on display in the war room on the second floor of the Capitol on Friday Feb. 7, 2014 in Albany. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union) less

The book, "Twelve Years A Slave" by Solomon Northup, on display as part of the 2014 Black History Month exhibit entitled, The Transformative Power of the Narrative, on display in the war room on the second ... more

Photo: Michael P. Farrell / Times Union

Image 53 of 55

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher responds to questions Thursday morning, Feb. 6, 2014, during a Joint Budget hearing on Higher Education held at the Legislative Office building in Albany. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union) less

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher responds to questions Thursday morning, Feb. 6, 2014, during a Joint Budget hearing on Higher Education held at the Legislative Office building in Albany. ... more

Photo: Skip Dickstein / Times Union

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State Commissioner of Education John King responds to questions Thursday morning Feb. 6, 2014 during a Joint Budget hearing on Higher Education held at the Legislative Office building in Albany. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union) less

State Commissioner of Education John King responds to questions Thursday morning Feb. 6, 2014 during a Joint Budget hearing on Higher Education held at the Legislative Office building in Albany. (Skip ... more

Cuomo was really saying that those who disagree with him have no place in New York… the edTPA is a product designed by British Based Pearson… This company has been involved in Common Core, evaluations and certifications in New York since the development of Cuomo’s new Education Agenda. There was an investigation into the relationship between the Administration and Pearson but perhaps it should be reopened. The New York State Education Department has too close of a relationship with this vendor and has given too much authority to this “Shadow” of the New York State Education Department.

Kennistons comments on the safe act are absolutely chilling. The safe hotline explicitly states its advice is not legally binding. It has no standards published for what is or isn’t legal. But kenniston is going to arrest people and see if he can find a clueless hoplophibic judge who is scared of black paint and go for a conviction. This is utter lawlessness. If anything could make a stronger argument that the sadistic act is a violation of the common law expectation that a law be understandable by a reasonable person , this is it. Why not just have lon horiuchi go around enforcing this by shooting more children in their mothers arms?

So Eldridge criticizes Gibson for his votes supporting Republican obstructionism, austerity & government shutdowns.
And Gibson responds by Redbaiting.
Watch for lots of that this election season.
When Democrats talk about Votes & Issues, Republicans can’t argue the merits of their corporate-backed politics, so instead resort to Redbaiting.

(Comcast is buying Time Warner Cable for $45 billion. (NYT))
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The consolidation of the media continues on a pace that is a danger to democracy.
The Comcast/Time Warner combination will reduce the major cable conglomerates to essentially two (2).

And as the Politico article linked below, the consolidation should be reviewed carefully by the FCC, FTC, and Justice Dept.,resulting in a long delay.

Democracy of the airwaves is essential for democracy in our political/economic system.

As the cable behemoths combine, the independent venues of twitter, facebook,smart phone texting become more important.

While it is mostly academic now, the power lines across our nation should have originally been built underground

….right now, over a million in the South are without power ;an emergency that requires sheltering hundreds of thousands in these states……

the power lines , as much as possible, should have been constructed underground in the 1950ies as part of Eisenhower’s national interstate highway project….

right now, to make a transition to underground would be too costly, not feasible…..

wouldn’t a huge national jobs project, like the New Deal CCC , be attractive, with the younger unemployed cutting tree limbs that hover over power lines, and also putting lines underground where feasible?

I am I ever glad the Times-Union is on the criminal beat when it comes to public employees. Yesterday, I saw a breaking news story in the TU about that state worker in Schenectady who allegedly skipped out on his restaurant bill! Yep. And we learned that, while the exact amount of the tab was not known, the amount was less than $100! And the suspect was charged with petit larceny!
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I do think, though, the Times-Union is becoming lax in its public employee criminal reporting: Where are the stories on unpaid traffic tickets? Your readership wants to know.
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The Times-Union ‘reports’ alleged unpaid restaurant tabs as news worth knowing? Really? Please stop — the TU is just embarrassing itself.

Dicker is currently dickering with The Donald on his radio show.
Trump dismisses Ed Cox as a nice guy, but a political loser.
To Trump, Cox and Astorino are two peas in a losing pod.

Dicker asked a very good question….if he ,The Donald, announced that he is a candidate for GOP governor, then wouldn’t Astorino then drop out because any funding would dry up quickly?
Trump avoided the question.

Trump spends most of his day taking selfies…he is a legend in his own mind (and perhaps his family’s minds).

The Donald claims the vast majority of GOP county heads favor him.
But apparently these powerful heads can’t convince Astorino to stay in Westchester County and do an effective job as county executive.

From what I have seen there is only a fraction of the money needed to support statewide pre-k without raising taxes, which is what Cuomo is proposing.
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We currently have a “2 Billion dollar surplus.” What happens when that surplus is gone and the bill comes due for the pre-k?
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Will the money be pulled from other places in the budget? Will people who don’t like the idea be accused of harming or playing politics with the children?
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Cuomo has already used this line with the teachers union, so there is no reason to think that he wouldn’t do it again. Seems like he is manufacturing a crisis for future use. If NYC has fully funded pre-K it would throw a wrench in this plan.
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Alternatively, Cuomo is extremely short sighted and is only pushing pre-k without raising revenue for a quick political gain with no thought of the damage that will be done.
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So, incompetent or malicious? Which is it?

Congressman Gibson is right to point out that Skippy Eldridge is “on the far left of all these issues.” Skippy can afford to be, he’s a 27 year old multimillionaire. That’s not red baiting, it’s simply pointing out the obvious for anyone paying attention. Go ahead sammy, point out some issues where Skippy is to the right of even Nancy Pelosi. Good luck with that.

When Democrats talk about Votes & Issues, Republicans can’t argue the merits of their corporate-backed politics, so instead resort to Redbaiting.
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Yet Eldridge didn’t make one mention about his ideas for the $17 TRILLION in debt or the $600 BILLION in deficits… You can say “issues” all you want, but Eldridge hasn’t mentioned them once!

TU staff – can you report on where congressional candidate Aaron Woolf stands on the issues?
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I guess someone hasn’t heard of Google… He’s just another Michael Moore type, but not quite as fat. Also, let’s not forget that his company is based in Brooklyn… 100+ miles away from the district 12 men in a room picked him to run for.

“Go back to bed, America. Your government has figured out how it all transpired. Go back to bed, America. Your government is in control again. Here. Here’s American Gladiators. Watch this, shut up. Go back to bed, America. Here is American Gladiators. Here is 56 channels of it! Watch these pituitary “beeps” bang their “beeping” skulls together and congratulate you on living in the land of freedom. Here you go, America! You are free to do as we tell you! You are free to do what we tell you!

Erik – it’s not about “right” vs “left”.
It’s about standing with the 1% Corporate Elite (as Gibson & his party do on just about EVERY issue), or standing with the 99% Working Class.
Of course, Republicans can’t argue the merits of their Corporatist policies, so they call anyone who they don’t own “commie”, “far left” or “ulta-liberal”. These names serve to pigeonhole & stereotype their opponents, & allow Republicans to AVOID defending their indefensible politics.

So Sammy, Reid not taking a vote in the Senate had NOTHING to do with the govt being shut down?
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The only issues the rich .000001%er Eldridge is talking about are the ones less than 1% of Americans are worried about!
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Corporatist policies?
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Are you talking about the one in which Obama and YOUR party are giving over $200 BILLION a year to the HI companies? What about the MILLIONS given to failed “green” companies?
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These names serve to pigeonhole & stereotype their opponents, & allow Republicans to AVOID defending their indefensible politics
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says the poster who cries “1%er”, “Corporate Elite” or 99% in every comment. The only difference between you and Rush is that he get’s paid millions off of ignorant comments… you work for free! (well you may work for a NYC Senator like some others have).

sammy, I¹m going to take that response as an admission that in fact Mr. Eldridge is at least as lefty as San Fran Nan (and probably more so). Pelosi
is also a 1%er, natch. Thanks for confirming what we already know.

Good morning! Derek Jeter is hanging up his spikes after this season, his 20th with the Yankees.

Behold his greatness. [video link]
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Yankeedom got over the loss of Phil Rizzuto and will survive Derek Jeter’s passing into retirement., Jordan…

Lets hope that Derek stays healthy enough to play 120+ games in 2014, including all 19 scheduled with the Red Sox, the only team eligible to win 4 World Series since the turn of clock into the 21st Century. -:)

So King Kuomo’s pre-K will teach subject matter that will prepare the children for jobs with a good income? HE’S AMAZING!!! The only problem is those darn child labor laws. Oh well, he can just wave his magic wand and make those go away.